I decided to become a psychologist in large part by the wonderful years I spent working and volunteering with the YMCAs of southern California. Some of my most cherished moments were spent at Camp Oakes in the San Bernadino Mountains near Big Bear Lake where I came to value community, nature, and myself.
I left my family and hometown of Long Beach, California and moved to Provo, Utah where I earned a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University. My life again was forever changed when I was a therapist for Aspen Achievement Academy, a therapeutic wilderness program in southern Utah. I was grateful to help many teens and their families and and witnessed firsthand the healing potential of nature. These experiences led to serving as the first Clinical Director for SUWS of the Carolinas and Executive Director for Phoenix Outdoor. I learned many invaluable lessons working collaboratively with others to build an effective and safe program.
I opened my private practice in heart of West Asheville, North Carolina in 2006. I’ve enjoyed helping others discover how to overcome their problems and to learn how to live a more fulfilling and happy life. I recognize the importance of healthy relationships and community in our lives that led to my interest in attachment therapy. I am trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, an attachment-based family therapy for children identified with significant attachment issues. I am currently working toward certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, an evidence-based, short-term approach that focuses on creating a secure emotional bond between partners.
Licenses (Current)
North Carolina License NC 2679
Georgia License PSY003661
Education
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Brigham Young University, 1996
BA in Psychology
Long Beach State University, 1988
Trainings
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, 2014
Nonviolent Communication Training, 2010
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, 2007-2008
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), 2004
Advanced Bereavement & Hospice Training, 2004
Neurolinguistic Programming & Humanistic Psychology, 2003
